7 Reasons Your Home Might Have Low Water Pressure

Admin • Aug 27, 2019
someone holding their hand under faucet and getting low water pressure

 

The water pressure in your home plumbing can make a big difference. It can make a big difference in how fast you rinse your dishes and the satisfaction of a shower after a long hot day.

 

If it’s hard to rinse the shampoo out of your hair or filling the bathtub is dreadfully slow, it could be the result of low water pressure. While frustrating, poor water pressure doesn’t always mean big plumbing problems.

 

Sometimes low water pressure can be easily fixed. Other times, you may need a professional. In this easy to read blog, we’ll walk through seven common reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure.

 

Check Your Main Shutoff Valve

Ensuring the main shutoff valve is in the right position can increase water pressure. Why?

The main shutoff valve acts as a gateway for water entering your home. If this valve is not fully opened, it will limit the amount of water passing through. Similarly, shutting off the valve will cut the water supply off completely.

Let’s start with checking the main shutoff valve. It can be located either in the basement or on the outside wall of a utility area in your home. If you are looking on the outside of your house, it may be on the side facing the street. City water will often enter streetside and make its way to you.

If your main shutoff valve is controlled by wheel-like handle, it needs to be fully turned counterclockwise. If it is a lever handle, the pipe direction and the handle must be parallel.

Your household is in control of the main shutoff valve. If you’ve recently had work done on your plumbing, it is likely the main shutoff valve was adjusted and not returned to its rightful place.

Is Your Water Meter Valve Fully Opened?

Like the main shutoff valve, the water meter valve is a main water source, which will affect water pressure. However, unlike the main shutoff valve, the water meter valve belongs to the city.

We do not recommend tampering with the water meter valve unless you are having emergency plumbing problems and it is your only option. It doesn’t hurt to check though.

The water meter valve is usually right by your water meter. If the water meter handle is parallel with the supply line or water pipe, the valve is open. If the handle is at an angle, water flow is being altered.

If the water meter valve needs to be adjusted, contact your local water department. They will advise on next steps and talk with you about your water pressure concerns. If you have recently had issues with your water pressure regulator, now is a good time to let them know.

house meter up close

Hot Water Heater Problems

 

Believe it or not, and this is believable, your hot water heater can affect the pressure for both hot water and cold water. Below are two common reasons a hot water heater will produce low water pressure.

 

  • Hard Water Build Up: Over time minerals and other sediments, even rust, will accumulate within the water heater tank and connecting pipes. The more build up, the less space water has to flow. Depending on where the buildup is located, the flow of water can be compromised going in and/or flowing out.

 

  • Water Heater Valve: Each water heater has a shut off valve. If the shut off valve has been closed and not fully reopened, your home will experience decreased water pressure. Returning the water heater valve to “Open” status will increase water pressure and return your water pressure back to normal.

 

Please Beware! Water heaters generate a lot of pressure and can be dangerous. Water heater repair should be left to plumbing professional to avoid an accident.


hot water heater up close

Your Aerator Screen Might be Clogged

What is an aerator screen? We’re glad you asked!

An aerator screen is the mesh screen at the end of your faucet that controls water flow through many tiny holes. Aerators are used for water flow management and water conservation.

If an aerator screen is clogged, however, it will decrease your nice steady stream to an intermittent trickle. (Or something like that!) The good news is that only the faucet with a clogged aerator screen will be problematic and experience poor water pressure.

Removing the screen and soaking it in a hot water/vinegar solution can help. If the aerator is too far gone, take it to a home center to find a replacement.

Clogged or Corroded Water Pipes

 

If other measures have been ruled out, low water pressure may be symptomatic of a bigger problem. A bigger problem being clogged or corroded water pipes.

A clog will force water to concentrate in one area of the pipeline. Depending on the size of the clog, the water will move around it but the rate of water flow will be reduced. If not cleared, clogs can result in burst pipes.

Corroded water pipes are most often found in older homes. If low water pressure is accompanied by a weird taste or discoloration, you could be facing corrosion.

While bad water pressure can be frustrating, a burst pipe due to a clog or corrosion can lead to much bigger plumbing problems. If you suspect a clog or corrosion, contact a professional plumbing company such as Blue Mills Plumbing for an assessment. Call Now: (816) 254-9416.

 

Pressure Reducing Valve Issues

Most homes have a water pressure regulator, which controls the water flow. If the water pressure regulator is wearing out or malfunctions, your water pressure could go abnormally high or very, very low.

If your water pressure regulator is the cause of poor water pressure, it will be noticeable throughout your home. It will also happen suddenly as opposed to coming on gradually. To measure the water pressure in your home, you can use a water pressure gauge.

Replacing the water pressure regulator is best left to a plumbing professional. It requires water shut down at the water meter valve, which is part of city property.

Leaks in Your Home

A leak anywhere within your plumbing will cause plumbing problems. Leaks undermine the flow of water and can create water pressure issues along with a potential mess.

If you are experiencing low water pressure, check for water underneath cabinets and behind countertops. Also check around appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs. Water stains on ceilings and/or walls are also water leak indicators.

leaky pipes

Consult Your Local Water Department

If you need confirmation of water usage pertaining to your utility statement, contact your local water department. The water department can also look at the history of your household water consumption.

Although a good resource, local water departments are typically only concerned with the piping and equipment, which belongs to them. Unless the problem lies within their scope of responsibility, they may not provide the answer.

How to Increase Your Home’s Water Pressure

Increasing your home’s water pressure may include a water pressure booster and/or other plumbing work provided by a professional plumber.

plumber in front of sink smiling

Install a Water Pressure Booster

If low water pressure is not caused by a leak or any other problems mentioned, a water pressure booster may be the answer. It is designed to increase water pressure and in most situations, it improves water flow as well.

Sometimes your city water may not provide enough pressure or it could be your plumbing needs help moving water to the upper levels of your home. A water pressure booster will help with both these situations.

Call Blue Mills Plumbing for Low Water Pressure Issues

 

Here at Blue Mills Plumbing, we’ve been serving the Easter Jackson County area for more than 30 years! We’re your local plumbing experts when it comes to low water pressure issues. Contact us and we’ll be right out to help you! Call (816) 875-9299.

 

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